10 LC
94 2368
House
Resolution 1459
By:
Representatives Collins of the
27th,
Talton of the
145th,
Sellier of the
136th,
Yates of the
73rd,
O`Neal of the
146th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending Chaplain Donald G. Smith on the occasion of his retirement; and
for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
Chaplain Donald G. Smith has long been recognized by the citizens of this state
and nation as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication to the
preservation of the principles of democracy; and
WHEREAS,
Chaplain Smith earned a bachelor's degree from Baylor University and a master of
divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and attended
Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College;
and
WHEREAS,
he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United
States Army as an Army Counterintelligence Special Agent with tours of duty in
South Vietnam and Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS,
Chaplain Smith was ordained in 1972 and served as pastor of Southern Baptist
churches in Texas for 17 years and as an evangelist radio personality for ten
years before receiving a direct commission in 1981 as a mobilization augmentee
chaplain for the Tactical Air Command; and
WHEREAS,
he retires from his current position as Command Chaplain for Headquarters, Air
Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where he advises the
commander and vice commander of the Air Force Reserve on religious, ethical, and
quality of life issues; and
WHEREAS,
Chaplain Smith has been recognized with numerous honors and accolades during his
prestigious career, including a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal
with four oak leaf clusters, an Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf
cluster, an Army Commendation Medal, an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with
two oak leaf clusters, and an Air Force Organization Excellence Award with oak
leaf cluster; and
WHEREAS,
during his tenure as Command Chaplain, he increased annual training 100% for the
Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps, set the record for the number of chaplains
recruited and reappointed in a year, oversaw a 75% growth in the Chaplain
Candidate Program, and has been recognized as the foremost authority on Air
Force Reserve Chaplain Corps matters; and
WHEREAS,
it is abundantly fitting and proper that the members of this body show their
gratitude for the unique and often unheralded contributions of Chaplain Smith
and all members of the military on behalf of the citizens of this state and
nation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body recognize the selfless dedication exhibited by Chaplain Donald G.
Smith in carrying out the difficult duties of his vocation; commend his
efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the citizens of
his country; and congratulate him on the grand occasion of his
retirement.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Chaplain
Donald G. Smith.